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The largest tropical gardens in the South Pacific recovering well after...

The largest tropical gardens in the South Pacific recovering well after Cyclone Pam in March 2015, the panoramic views from The Summit are stunning. Visit THE SUMMIT GARDENS for FREE, view health & body products being made at The Essential Oils Distillery, Cafe and Health & Body Gift Shop, DAY SPA and more... THE SUMMIT GARDENS have been developed to provide maximum pleasure to the visitor. Opened to the public in November 2011, the 11 named gardens, spread over 6 hectares, are all distinctly different, unfolding as a series of surprises as you follow the meandering pathways and steps. At nearly 200m above sea level, the escarpment garden offers the visitor breathtaking views over Mele Bay. Within the gardens are THE ESSENTIAL OILS DISTILLERY - see how oils from sandalwood, Tahitian lime, mandarin, tangelo, ginger, etc, grown at The Summit are extracted and where our range of health and beauty products based on Sandalwood, soaps and candles are made. The Gardens were devastated during Cyclone Pam on Friday 13 March 2015. Since re-opening in August 2015, admission to the gardens is free and must remain so until they recover their former glory and world class status, and we wanted to share this journey with you. However, costs for rehab and garden team wages are ongoing. We believe in Trade not Aid... So if you want to help us going forward, please call into The Summit Gift Shop after your garden stroll and choose your favourite Made in Vanuatu skincare products, 100% Tropical Vanuatu Inspired, 100% Natural & Sandalwood Based. All net proceeds from the shop go to cover the costs of restoring The Summit Gardens. And remember, our products carry a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Come to THE SUMMIT CAFE for refreshments or lunch and take in more of the wonderful views. ALLOW 2-3 hours for your stay - take a leisure walk and lunch or refreshments, or wander around at your leisure for the whole day if you wish! Enjoy a Walk at the Rainforest or Dare the Canyon Ride (Admission Fee applies), or do the Segway Tour (Admission Fee applies) BUT Remember, there's NO ADMISSION FEE to visit and to enjoy The Summit Gardens for now! You can come by bus, by your own car, by your transport. Do come visit-you won't be disappointed! ATTN: Air Vanuatu/ Virgin Blue / Air Caledonia / Fiji Airways / CRUISE SHIP VISITORS & Everyone - To Visit The Summit Gardens is FREE! Explore, Discover, Dine & Shop in the Clouds! If you're feeling adventurous, dare the Canyon Ride or do the Segway tour! ADMISSION FEE APPLIES to both these tours.

This proved a real satisfying visit. We enjoyed these botanical gardens, abundant variety of tropical plants, architected gardens that frames the plants so lovely.
A must to visit for any garden enthusiast.
For the more adventure thrill seekers there is the opportunity to glide down a series of steel cables over the treetops and over the deep valley.
The road...
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Spectacular view and warm welcome by Patricia and Karl. Lovely garden walk in the gardens and adjacent rainforest walk in the zipline area. Can also visit the distillery where they produce a range ofb produce from natural ingredients which they sell to sustain the ongoing maintenance of the gardens. Zipline adventure also available at same location.

We visited The Summit on our way to Hideaway island. The views as you drive up are amazing, but the real beauty gets you when you reach the top. They are rebuilding the gardens after the cyclone and they are doing such a wonderful job. We loved the walks through the gardens and through the rainforest. The zip line is...
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Thank Summers132

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The Summit G, Public Relations Manager at The Summit Gardens Vanuatu, responded to this review

Dear Summers132, Many thanks for visiting The Summit Gardens and your comprehensive review. You got to see Hideaway Island high above from The Summit Gardens! We are thrilled you enjoyed your visit wandering through the various garden rooms and getting to observe the Zipline boys doing their checks. Just as importantly we are excited to hear your feedback on the...
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We climbed the road to the gardens to enjoy a panoramic view from the top. The walk is a killer - 5 zig zags which are very steep. But what a glorious view from the top. We enjoyed coffee and snacks plus the fabulous wit of expert salesman Carlo who kept us laughing the whole time.

Helpful?

Thank AmIMadOrWhat

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The Summit G, Public Relations Manager at The Summit Gardens Vanuatu, responded to this review

Hi AmIMadOrWhat,
Many thanks for telling us about your hike up to the top of The Summit, a great feat (no pun intended). Well done! As you found there are beautiful panoramic views making the trip well worth the effort. We hope you also took the opportunity for a more relaxing wander through The Summit Gardens. We are pleased Karl...
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Fantastic day trip up to the summit, must have a bite to eat at the cafe, the beef Curry (best curry I've had in a long time ) and a glass of ice cold Tusker was perfect,

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Thank Teesha6

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The Summit G, Public Relations Manager at The Summit Gardens Vanuatu, responded to this review

Hi Teesha6,
Thank you so much for visiting The Summit Gardens and your review. We are thrilled to hear you absolutely loved the Beef Curry accompanied by the icy cold Tusker. A perfect way to enjoy your visit to The Summit Vanuatu! We have given your wonderful feedback to Chef, her reply was with a huge smile! Thanks for the...
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Something nice to do with the family. Views were great from the gardens. We were suppose to go to the Melendez cascades but due to the lack of rain they were not worth doing so local said to go the see the gardens.

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1Thank kerrin16

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The Summit G, Public Relations Manager at The Summit Gardens Vanuatu, responded to this review

Hi kerrin16
Thank you for visiting The Summit Gardens and your review. We are pleased you visited with your family, we have no water (apart from the ornamental ponds) to take a dip in but visitors can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over Mele Bay high up in the clouds. In the tranquil gardens there are many alcoves, interesting mosaics and...
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Entry is currently free while they recover from the damage caused by cyclone Pam. Despite this, the gardens are in a very good condition and well worth the visit.
Transport is a bit tricky as their is no set tour bus to the gardens and you will need to negotiate a return trip with a local bus driver. We found...
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Thank junebaby12

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The Summit G, Public Relations Manager at The Summit Gardens Vanuatu, responded to this review

Dear junebaby12,
Thank you for visiting The Summit Gardens and your feedback. Unfortunately we have not been able to offer tour bus pickups from hotels and the wharf since reopening the gardens following Cyclone Pam. Visitors to The Summit Gardens should negotiate with the bus or taxi driver to include waiting time. It is suggested 1-2 hours to wander the...
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Unfortunately it rained the day we visited this place. Could see how beautiful it would of been if 5he weather was better. But we all need rain.
Only problem was, the distillery is closed on weekends & public holidays.

We had heard about this place and while we had a hire car we decided to go there. The most difficulty is trying to locate it as it is poorly sign posted which is a shame. Its quite a climb on a steep and winding road and I can understand the reluctance of the many small "buses" not wanting to...
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